Best Shoes For Surgeons in the Operating Room
Surgeons working in the OR must stand for hours. Here are the best shoes for surgeons in the operating room to help you find comfort during 13-hour shifts on the hospital floor.
Top 4 Shoes For Surgeons in the Operating Room
Unlike other reviewers who list more than 20 shoe choices (which causes more headaches), we will only share with you 4 options. Here are the best shoes for surgeons in the operating room:
1. OOFOS OOcloog
These are the most unsexy shoes a person could possibly put on their feet. However, they are just pure bliss to wear, especially if you suffer from plantar fasciitis.
Just keep in mind that these OOFOS clogs are a bit snug with socks, but without socks, your feet will really sweat. Wear them with thin socks and your feet will be happier than they’ve ever been.
Scientifically designed for workplace comfort
After developing plantar fasciitis, I had to start wearing my super expensive running shoes to my job at a veterinary practice and ditch the cheaper athletic shoes I had.
Once I realized I didn’t want to wear out my running shoes, I purchased these to wear to work instead. Out of the box, they are the most comfortable thing you will ever put on your feet.
I have slightly wide feet with bunions and these fit just fine with thin athletic socks.
A big reason why the OOFOS OOcloog is a great shoe for surgeons in the operating room is because of the OOfoam technology and patented footbed, both of which are backed by science.
Research shows that OOFOS reduces load, decreases compressive forces, and supports foot mobility when compared to traditional footwear. In fact, every OOFOS footwear carries the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance!
Their revolutionary OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam materials to reduce the stress on your feet, joints, and back.
Also, their patented footbed cradles and supports arches reduce energy exertion in the ankles by up to 47% compared to competitors’ footwear. This makes walking easier and recovery faster.
And to top it all off, the closed-cell foam is machine-washable and designed to minimize odor.
Like walking on clouds
I have a friend who is an ICU nurse.
She’s constantly on her feet most days due to her 13-hour shifts. She developed plantar fasciitis in her left foot and the pain was so bad that she was limping every day.
After trying out a bunch of running shoes, nothing helped.
She gave these OOFO clogs a try as a last-ditch effort, and it was a miracle. Not only is her limping gone, but her plantar fasciitis is gone!
After recommending these clogs to her fellow nurses, most of them are wearing the same thing now. Her only wish is that these clogs come in more colors, but overall, it’s like walking on clouds.
If you are working in the medical field, give these clogs a try. Their technology is backed by science and you would have no trouble standing around for hours on the hospital floor.
2. Crocs On-The-Clock Clog
In recent times, the Crocs brand is known for having its work shoes collection designed for medical and food service workers. The Crocs On-The-Clock Clog is perfect for the hospital.
Perfect hospital shoes for men (and women)
Let’s face it. Male nurses have fewer choices compared to female nurses. There is a huge number of choices when it comes to shoes for medical workers for women.
Men are often left with clunky and bulky hospital shoes.
This is why the Crocs On-The-Clock clogs are the perfect shoes for surgeons in the operating room. First, they’re very comfortable. The insole is fairly thick and provides a lot of cushioning.
Second, these clogs are very easy to clean. All you have to do is to rinse or wipe these Crocs and they’re good to go. For a deep clean, simply wash them with soap and water.
This is important for medical workers as you can imagine all of the substances that can come out of a person’s many holes. Being able to wipe (scrape) and clean these shoes is important.
Function over form
Are they attractive? Not really.
However, these Crocs can handle a 13-hour shift on floors made from what I can only describe as a hexagonal diamond material and not cause me to limp off the floor.
If you are working in a hospital, whether you’re a surgeon in the operation room or a medical worker standing all day, wearing these Crocs with a pair of comfortable socks is the way to go.
Overall, these Crocs are great shoes for working the floor of the hospital.
Waterproof and slip-resistant
Anyone working in the medical field would need waterproof and slip-resistant shoes. The good news is, these Crocs tick those two boxes. The Croslite material protects your feet from liquids.
Made with slip-resistant treads, these Crocs are perfect for those at risk of falling. The Croslite foam and deeply cushioned footbeds offer supreme comfort that is perfect for those long shifts.
Additionally, the enclosed toe and heel meet workplace standards and will protect your feet from spills. These Crocs work shoes are what men and women need for long days and nights.
3. Hoka One One Bondi 7
I’m not a big proponent of wearing running sneakers on hospital floors, but if there is one shoe for the job, it would be the Hoka One One Bondi due to its supreme cushioning.
After wearing them for a month, I like the fit of these shoes better without socks. They fit more snugly with socks, but they fit true to size. Thin socks are good, but not thick athletic socks.
Lightweight and breathable
For someone standing or walking all day long, these shoes are perfect. Not only do they have plenty of room for the toes, but these shoes also offer great heel support.
They feel slightly softer than the rubber mats for people to stand on (anti-fatigue mats). After one day, my feet already feel better. I’m not sure if these would be for running.
My first impression of the shoes is that they’re light enough and breathable enough, but they also feel a bit clunky. They are noisier than I expected; not quite as loud as a boot or a hard heel, but I can hear myself stomping down the hallways.
These shoes are great if you have foot pain, especially from standing on your feet all day at the hospital. They are expensive, but if you’re a surgeon, they’re worth it.
I just hope they last a year or two. If they don’t last 5 years I will be disappointed but I’m not expecting more than 3 just because they don’t look tough enough to rough it out.
4. Skechers Equalizer Persistent Slip-On Sneaker
If you want to combine the cushioning of sneakers with the versatility of clogs, then your best bet is to buy the Skechers Equalizer Persistent Slip-On Sneaker. It’s ideal for the hospital.
Comfortable for standing in the operating room for hours
Wearing these shoes for the first time, I fell in love with these shoes instantly. For someone standing in the OR for hours at a time can make your feet tired and hurt.
I often move from side to side just to distribute the pressure better and I was getting annoyed with having to focus more on my feet than on the surgery. I gave these Skechers a shot.
At first, I was afraid that the material would be too breathable and that I would risk getting spills and fluids into my shoes, but surprisingly, that has not been the case.
These shoes are like walking on pillows and are genuinely some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. Not only are they a great price, but the quality surpasses some of the more expensive options out there marketed toward healthcare providers.
My only concern is those with a narrow feet, might want to consider getting a half-size smaller. The size 12 that I bought is slightly wider than my foot (not noticeable).
If you have been researching different options for work in the operating room, settle on these because you will get more return on your investment with the affordability of these shoes.
Conclusion
And there you have it, the best shoes for surgeons in the operating room. The 4 shoe options are also perfect for those of you working in the hospital or any medical field, like nurses.
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